To stay away from alligators even further north head over to Lake Taraweba near Bonita Springs where coastal wildlife like dolphins can be seen playing in calmer waters compared to saltier parts of Florida's coast line. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission urges people to keep their distance if they see an alligator. Yes, it actually happens! There are not many places in Florida where you can be assured they are alligator-free. It is not recommended for kayakers, as it can be dangerous to paddle amongst alligators. You clearly explained alligator behavior, what kayakers should expect and how to react to potential threatening situations. As a rule of thumb, it's suggested that you stay at least 20 yards away from any gator you see. Can Dogs Go On Inflatable Kayaks Without Them Breaking? Contrary to what we have been made to believe, alligators are not aggressive animals. 2 Where to kayak in Florida without alligators. If youre an avid kayaker, theres no question that Florida is the place to visit. Truly one of Florida's unspoiled river gems, Little Manatee River is a designated "Outstanding Florida Water" area with sand pine and oxbow wetlands. Learn more about some of the popular and safe places to Kayak in Florida without sharks and alligators. It would help to kayak in water without alligators or understand their behavior well before going in alligator-infested waters. It's beautiful, easy to access and also has . Pingback: Where to get the best brunch: New Smyrna Beach 2022 - Just Go! This kayaking paradise is not a linear water trail. Crescent Lake. The way the land is situated is quite unique. You will have a better chance of not seeing any alligators as they prefer to stay away from salt water. With so many great places to kayak in Florida, there's no need to risk an encounter with an alligator. Kayaking in Florida. Running along the Gulf Coast of Florida, the Manatee River includes wide waterways that span all of 46 miles, stretching to Tampa Bay. Florida is a great place to kayak, with its many rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. This is a wonderful spot for kayaking thanks to its gentle waters and wide array of wildlife that inhabits the wetlands. KAYAKING TIPS | Rent First | For obvious reasons, rent and try out the experience before you invest in any expensive kayaking equipment. In addition there are plenty campgrounds located along this stretch so that you can take a break whenever needed and go back on the road afterwards with just minimal contact with alligators if at all!3. Wildlife exploration in Florida. Whether you choose to take a manatee kayak tour in Florida, or you choose to kayak in Florida with the manatees on your own, there are some really beautiful locations to choose from. This state park is located just south of Tampa and offers a peaceful escape from the city. Our posts may contain affiliate links. You can read more about me on my about page. The Blackwater River Trail, situated near Milton in Northwest Florida, offers fantastic kayaking opportunities. So, it would have been very easy for someone to take an egg or a hatchling home, just kind of without anyone noticing," Jarrod Forthman . The Lido Key Mangroves. This area is a must-visit area for all the kayakers out there. Despite the name Ten Thousand Islands, there are just over a couple hundred islands (still plenty! Little Manatee River, Wimauma. Which will make your kayaking experience that much safer and worry-free.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'funoutdoorventures_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_3',124,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-funoutdoorventures_com-medrectangle-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'funoutdoorventures_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_4',124,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-funoutdoorventures_com-medrectangle-3-0_1'); .medrectangle-3-multi-124{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. 111 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel, FL 33957 - Handicapped Parking Only. Kayaking with a partner is always recommended as it can be beneficial if something goes wrong while on the water. Weeki Wachee Springs. If you wonder where to kayak in Florida without alligators, you can take a look at the following list. The Great Calusa Blueway. You will find many other kayakers here, so follow the local guidelines and regulations for a safe and enjoyable experience. "Alligators are dangerous animals.". What Part Of Florida Has No Alligators? Formerly known as Dunn's Lake, this sparkling spot covers more than 15,900 acres in North Central Florida. Florida is full of breathtakingly beautiful waterways, but it's important to remember that the Everglades wetlands areas are favorite habitat for some 12-foot long creatures! Lets get to know some amazing things about these places, so you can plan your kayaking trip accordingly. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Most of Floridas freshwater rivers and water systems have an alligator population living in them. A: Kayaking can be dangerous, so always paddle within your comfort level and never attempt something that is beyond your capabilities. However, any flurry in the water attracts alligators. Don't let that put a damper on planning ahead as Florida still offers plenty tranquil spots where adventurous types can indulge in serene scenery without any predators coexisting alongside them - phew! Unique landscapes, abundant wildlife, majestic rivers and views of celestial skies not seen elsewhere in the state of Texas! The server responded with {{status_text}} (code {{status_code}}). And since alligators are not common in saltwater, you can paddle here without worry. The warm waters remain quite calm year round which makes it great for novice paddlers looking for an easygoing ride. The kayaking experience is ideal for kayakers of all levels, from beginners to experienced. And if luck favors - anglers can also find largemouth basses swimming across this clean river as well making fishing quite enjoyable too at times during peak seasons alright? The waters of the swimming area are crystal blue, and there are a variety of shallow shores and mellow oxbow lakes that you can explore nearif(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'funoutdoorventures_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_6',128,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-funoutdoorventures_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Rainbow Springs. But if youre looking for a kayaking adventure without alligators, you may be wondering where to go. If youre looking to have some fun outdoor water adventures, then you have come to the right place. Besides, there are many access points along the river, such as Suwannee River State Park or Manatee Springs State Park. When they see a kayak approaching, their first instinct is to hide underwater rather than attack. Then, of course, they blame it on the animal and call the area alligator-infested waters. Yes, there are scorpions in Big Bend National Park. Suwannee River Wilderness Trail is 246 miles long and it offers scenic views of the river and the surrounding wilderness, as well as opportunities for camping, fishing, etc. Skip the wetlands parks, the swamp walks, and the mangrove tunnels. Myakka River State Park near Sarasota, Florida, is one of the best places to see alligators and . Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Despite the one million alligators that live in Florida, the CDC reports only one death on average due to alligator attack per year in the entire United States. Kayakers cannot resist disturbing the gators when kayaking in Florida and they bother them until one attacks. Dry Tortugas National Park protects a small island chain and its wildlife. Where to kayak in Florida without alligators? Susan also participates in affiliate programs with Bluehost, Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. These safe spots are perfect for a peaceful paddle without having to worry about safety. Our team can help you find the perfect spot for your next kayaking trip. This 500-acre park offers lots of open spaces as well as access to scenic parts of the Cat Fish Creek Nature Trail and Seminole Wilderness Area with impressive views along the way. Besides, you will find plenty of areas to explore and admire the places natural beauty. The Wilderness Trail of the Suwannee River is a great place for kayaking. Search no more! 7 The St. Johns River. We have discussed some places where you can kayak freely without fearing alligators. As you may know, Florida is home to around 1.5 million alligators. Rainbow Springs State Park. They will hide near the edge where there are bushes that they can use as cover, so you may not even see them. The Suwannee River: Start off in the swamps north of Okeechobee, then head along this stunning river as it winds its way towards Suwannees outlet bay coasts near Tampa Bay! In addition, this area has many access points, such as Palatka or Blue Spring State Park. Where can you kayak in Florida without alligators? Read more. To stay safe kayaking in Florida, never confront or feed alligators, as they will change their behavior and approach kayaks more readily. Kayak rentals are available here if needed or you can bring your own equipment.. Florida's east coast has something special stored up north near Jacksonville: Little Talbot Island State Park which features awesome sandy dunes and beachfront access points directly onto lush barrier island marshes perfect for some day paddling or camping trips; plus no risk getting up close & personal with any crocodiles this time! The waters are shallow, making them suitable for beginner kayakers. Kayakers should note that this destination isn't exactly crocodile free - after all wildlife do roam here - however sightings tend to be more rare in these regions (but still stay alert!). In order to help you, the following are the 12 best places to kayak in Florida without Alligators. You can be in an area that's 25 feet deep then take 2 steps and you'll be in an area that's only 10 feet. If youre looking for a way to get out on the water without worrying about pesky alligators, then look no further than Florida! This river is quite polluted, and visitors are asked not to swim here. 3 Santa Fe River. Looking for places to kayak in Florida that don't have alligators in the vicinity is tricky as Florida is almost famous for its alligators. You can get there from the cities of Crystal River or Apalachicola, where you can rent a kayak and go paddling for hours without alligators. This river is 246 miles long, located in northwest Florida, and stretches to Mexico. But this goes back to respecting their territory. The spring-fed river here is perfect for a relaxing paddle, and the alligators that live in the area are mainly herbivores. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Cayo Costa Camping Tips for 2021 - Just Go! There is no doubt about unlimited kayaking adventurers in Florida. So if youre looking for a safe place to kayak in Florida, De Leon Springs State Park is a great option. >> the tail went on our kayak. So these are where you can go kayaking in Florida safely without fearing Alligators. There are also experiences like kayaking with manatees, and bioluminescence tours that can only be experienced here. Yes, there can be alligators in the Great Calusa Blueway depending on conditions and time of year it is paddled through that region. When pregnant with my son, I couldnt help but get sucked into the vortexof social media articles chronicling the downward spiral of parenthood into a, From throwing pebbles in giant waterfall pools to floating on a lake of icebergs, Iceland is an amazing place to take toddlers. Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail, Florida State Park List JellyPressStore on Etsy, Take me to the River Sticker JellyPressStore on Etsy, 50 Inspiring Quotes about Travel and Family, Visiting Iceland with a Toddler: A Complete Guide. The Lake Kissimmee State Park is also a place that should be avoided due to its large population of alligators. This river is easily navigable on your own, but you will have a more informative trip if you decide to take one of the guided tours. There is also an underwater canyon that you can explore. Yes, there are places in Florida without alligators such as large cities or areas with high human population density. With its tropical climate and abundance of waterways, Florida's waterways are a paradise for kayakers. time to kayak out of the area into safety. Many people canoe and kayak in Florida waters each year, and alligators can be present in any fresh or brackish water in the state. . South Florida also has some excellent kayaking trails that contain completely different flora, fauna, and wildlife. Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Fishing, Snorkeling and so much more. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. . Thousand Islands, Cocoa Beach. If you see an alligator, stay at least 50 yards away from it and don't feed them. Before jumping in, decide where to go with our list of the best lakes in Florida. Don't test how close you can get to the alligator. In truth, they aren't. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Hey there kayak lovers! Any action you take based on the information found on cgaa.org is strictly at your discretion. Get into some mangrove areas. The water stay shallow and calm, perfect if you want to avoid any alligator encounters. Im Jay Schwartz, the author here at Kayak Guidance! Most alligator fatalities are associated with wading, swimming, or snorkeling in fresh water. The island is known for its pristine beaches and calm waters, making it a perfect spot for kayaking. In addition there are plenty campgrounds located along this stretch so that you can take a break whenever needed and go back on the road afterwards with just minimal contact with alligators if at all! An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. The Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail involves 26 segments extending from the Florida Panhandle to the Georgia state line, and is a great way to experience Florida kayaking in a salt water environment. The water is cold and refreshing, so you wont need to worry about alligators; stay away from colder waters. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Great Calusa Blueway is a 190-mile Kayaking trail located in Southwest Florida that follows the coastline of Lee, Charlotte and Collier counties. When it comes to kayaking, Florida is a paradise for beginners. If you need to hire a kayak, you could get one here, but only if you come early. The island is only accessible by boat, making it a great place to get away from the crowds. Stay calm: If you encounter an alligator while kayaking, stay calm and paddle away from it. . Alligators can swim as fast as 20mph with the help of their tails and webbed feet. Is kayaking in Florida your first time, and you're looking for a place where you won't have to worry about getting into trouble? This is one of the safest places to kayak. stewart: allison haviland and a friend, with 4 school aged kids . 4 The Wilderness Trail of the Suwannee River. Manatee River. in this fantastic sport then there are certain locations that offer the most ideal conditions for learning and honing skills. My team and I are huge outdoor enthusiasts, and youll find information from RVing, kayaking, snorkeling, and etc. This will put you and your dog in more danger.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'kayakspoint_com-banner-1','ezslot_6',631,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-kayakspoint_com-banner-1-0'); You should try to keep a distance of at least 30 feet if you can. FunOutdoorVentures.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Pack plenty of drinking water and snacks, especially if youll be out on the water for a long period of time. This lovely stretch offers paddlers miles of scenic views while they explore its numerous springs along more than 220-miles course length! Wekiwa Springs State Park: Located near Orlando, Wekiwa Springs crystal clear waters and lush foliage will make you feel miles away from civilization. Kayaking these scenic spots will imprint beautiful memories into every adventurers mind forever! He said that they are not made for chasing prey and that making a lot of noise can scare off an alligator. Crescent Lake. Where to kayak in Florida without alligators. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. If youre looking for a way to get out on the water without worrying about pesky alligators, then look no further than Florida! - Just Go! We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. These are our tips and tricks to make your Florida family kayaking trip amazing and memorable. Other safe spots include several parks near New Smyrna Beach such as Ponce de Leon Inlet near Spruce Creek Preserve which provides an amazing journey with its large marshy creeks leading out into calm estuaries teeming with a variety wildlife--minus any gators! Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. Kayaking in bad weather can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Although Florida is known for its alligators, there are plenty of places in the sunshine state that offer paddling opportunities without the fear of coming face-to-face with one. Wekiwa Springs State Park: Located near Orlando, Wekiwa Springs crystal clear waters and lush foliage will make you feel miles away from civilization. The trial itself includes several sandbars to stop and picnic or just relax for a bit with your kayak. adventure for everyone involved. It is their natural home, and the fact that people are intruding means the waters are human-infested. If you plan on kayaking, the best time to visit Ichetuknee Spring is during winter, as the waters are quieter without all of the tubers. The fall is more comfortable for kayaking, so September is a highly recommended month. Other animals, like snakes and birds, might also pose a danger, so its important to stay vigilant when paddling around them. Alligators are more likely to attack if they mistake you for prey, so wearing brightly colored clothing will help them identify you as a human. Here, you can rent a kayak or take a guided tour along the river, where you will find beautiful springs where to stop and explore. Suwannee River Wilderness. Located in the Ocala National Forest, you'll find that this hidden gem is less crowded than some of the other kayak spots around Orlando. There are certain places that you can visit that are alligator-free. There are numerous places along the way that a kayaker could pull over for a quick swim in the various swimming holes and spring vents of varying depths. If anyone alligator gets too close, you should make loud noises to scare it away. kayak or take a guided tour along the river, Florida is home to around 1.5 million alligators, life jacket can help you stay afloat if you fall in the water or your kayak, safety tips can help you stay safe while kayaking. Locations such as Crystal River just north Tampa Bay offer not only gorgeous scenery but also year round protection from Florida's notorious heat providing an (often overlooked) opportunity given other areas may become quite hot during summer months. The John Pennekamp Coral Reef is a popular destination for kayakers. You could also camp along the river if you want to stay near the water as there are river camps. Just Go Family may earn a commission if these links are clicked. 2022 Kayak-sensei Built with Kayak-sensei. Weeki Wachee Springs, situated in West Central Florida, sports clear waters perfect for the novice and experienced kayaker. The water flows freely. Winter is the best time to go kayaking in Florida. 6. The Suwanee River is a 246-mile river that runs all the way from northwest Florida to the Gulf of Mexico. Boat tours depart every 20 to 30 minutes; reservations are not required. SOUTH FLORIDA Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail. 7 Kid Friendly Asheville Restaurants to Try in 2023, Kid Friendly Breweries in Asheville in 2023, The Best Waterfall Hikes near Asheville for Families in 2022, Kid Friendly Breweries in Nashville in 2023, Japan With Kids: Family Travel Tips for a Great Adventure, Must See Stops on the Ring Road with Kids, Iceland 4 Day Itinerary: An Unforgettable Adventure, Easter Island with Kids: A Five Day Itinerary, Easter Island for Kids: Family Fun at the End of the Earth, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window). With its crystal-clear water and shady banks, the river is a great place to spend a relaxing day on the water. The best area to kayak in Bradenton is right by Coquina Beach: Coquina Beach is also known as Bradenton Beach and there is a giant bay area next to it where there are many open water and kayaking trails available to do the following things: Just explore the area. Here are some top spots for kayaking in Florida without having to worry about run-ins with these dangerous reptiles. All information published on this website is provided in good faith and for general use only. Lake Kissimmee, near Orlando, comes in second with just shy of 2,000. Alligators attacking kayaks . So, grab your paddle, and lets hit the water! Pingback: Explore the Best 10 Florida Springs Near Orlando! You should look out for saltwater rivers or those with freshwater mixing with salt water and rivers with low temperatures and sandy floors. The variety here is breathtaking as visitors paddle up low lying creeks where they can gaze at remarkable birds among pristine trees draped in mosses and lichens before reconnecting with their destination shoreline. As a Florida family, kayaking is one of our favorite things to do. Kayaking in these locations will give you an amazing experience. Before going kayaking, however, you should check with the local outfitters for water conditions. Tampa Bay, Crystal River & Spring Park, Ichetucknee Springs State Park and Fort De Soto County Park are some of the best places to kayak in Florida. From here, countless springs pour into the river, making the water current faster. Ichetucknee offers some of the clearest and most beautiful spring fed rivers and lakes in all of Northern Florida. With its many mangrove tunnels and scenic views, its a great place to go kayaking. Use common sense: If there is any doubt about whether its safe to paddle in an area, dont do it. Always be aware of other nearby boats and vessels when youre out on your kayak. The animals to see include bald eagles, pelicans, fish, and sea turtles that you can see swimming below your boat. In addition head South towards Everglades National Park - absolutely one fo the best spots for kayaking in all of Florida--for an incredible saltwater adventure across shallow channels and coastal flats consisting mostly mudflats but also patches of oyster bars interspersed between lagoons teeming with wildlife such as wading birds gliding across glass like reflections offered by oddly colored greenish waters below flooded sawgrass meadows illuminated by dazzling sunlight above! The Everglades National Park is one place all kayakers should avoid due to the high population of alligators. Visual journalist Amanda Inscore added Class Pass to our list. In summary, although there are potential risks associated with taking part in wildlife-filled waters throughout points in Florida, there still exist plenty of reputable sources which can guide individuals on finding aquatic recreational experiences away from human/alligator interactions. Salt water crocs live in the north of the country where there are fewer people to interact with. Besides, there are no alligators here, so you wont have to worry about dangerous wildlife while paddling. Located in Dunnellon, this river is 5.7 miles long. This park covers almost 40,000 acres and is home to thousands of alligators. You can view the parks colorful coral reefs teeming with marine life while you float down the river on your kayak. Alligators are just as afraid of us as we are of them, so typically if a kayak enters an alligator area, they will duck below the water and hide. This inshore saltwater trail spans 150 miles of the Gulf Coast of Florida. See wildlife like Manatees. Use your common sense and if you see or hear anything that makes you uncomfortable, head back to shore. $80.00. This park is located in Key Largo, where you can kayak and explore the wildlife of the coral reef. Additionally alongside most springs you'll often find campgrounds providing convenient spots often right alongside waterways allowing visitors ample opportunity dip their boats into cool temperatures 365 days outa' year while having a basecamp they can return each day after paddlin' round larger regions - this gives newcomer kayakers ample time refine their craft before hitting bigger open waters later down the line if desired at all! You can even get out of your kayaks and hike around the parks and trails scattered throughout the area. And since alligators are not common in this area, you can paddle without worry. What Safety Equipment is Required On a Kayak In Florida? Not only are these places safe, but also they are quite beautiful, and you must visit them. The Suwanee River is a 246-mile river that runs all the way from northwest Florida to the Gulf of Mexico. The main feature of the Manager River is the 9-mile paddle trail. The Loxahatchee River. The brisk flowing water easily Carries you down 6 miles of run, and shuttles will pick you up at the end dock. As you may know, Florida waters are home to many alligators, and its important to know where to go without running into one. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience while paddling in Florida, let us write some useful tips that can help you stay safe on your kayaking trip in Florida waters. That sounds like a fun activity, kayaking in the evening and then camping at night with your friends. And close by Blue Spring State Park also offers serene views while providing good trout fishing on their large spring pond. So grab your kayak and explore Floridas waterways today! Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail is a saltwater trail. The Nile crocodile has the largest body count of crocs due to people having to go to the edge of the river for water ect. Pingback: Kayaking with Kids: A Complete Guide - Just Go! But if you're looking for a kayaking adventure without alligators, you may be wondering where to go. https://www.kayak-sensei.com/ is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The Suwannee is perhaps Florida's most well-known river. At waterfront parks, be cautious with your dog around shorelines. Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon is one of the most beautiful places you will ever visit. Yet the statistics of alligator attacks seem to show that it can be done relatively safely, as long as the paddler follows a few protocols. We can not guarantee its completeness or reliability so please use caution. Kayakers should stay away from this area as it can be dangerous due to the abundance of alligators. One spot to check out is Wekiwa Springs State Park near Orlando. Furthermore, info about species diversity for each body of water including any potentially dangerous creatures is available at GLMA (Gulf Living Marine Assessment). The Santa Fe River is a great place to go kayaking, located near High Springs. One of the coolest kayaking trips you can do is a bioluminescent tour in Florida. "Alligators will have a nest of 50, 60 eggs at a time. There's nothing like a freshwater spring to keep you cool while paddling around the river or spending time listening for birdsong along its banks.